Providing mobility support

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to providing mobility support to assist people in maneuvering. In aspects, a support structure is coupled to a base to secure the support structure in an upstanding position. A grab bar is coupled to the support structure. When the grab bar is lifted substantially vertically from the support structure, the grab bar may be decoupled from the support structure. When the grab bar is lifted such that a horizontal component of force is applied against the support structure, the grab bar resists decoupling from the support structure. Other aspects are described in the Detailed Description.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/462,820, filed Aug. 7, 2006, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/713,389, filed Sep. 1, 2005,entitled SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS RELATED TO BED MOBILITY DEVICESwhich applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

As people get older, they are more susceptible to serious injuries thatresult from falling. In the United States and many other moderncountries with aging populations, falls are a leading cause of death inolder people. Most fatal falls occur while traversing uneven ground suchas steps, curbs, and other uneven surfaces. Falls associated with beduse (e.g., getting in and out of bed) are the second most common causeof fall deaths. Maneuvering in bathrooms is also difficult for manydisabled or older people.

SUMMARY

Briefly, aspects of the subject matter described herein relate toproviding mobility support to assist people in maneuvering. In aspects,a support structure is coupled to a base to secure the support structurein an upstanding position. A grab bar is coupled to the supportstructure. When the grab bar is lifted substantially vertically from thesupport structure, the grab bar may be decoupled from the supportstructure. When the grab bar is lifted such that a horizontal componentof force is applied against the support structure, the grab bar resistsdecoupling from the support structure.

This Summary is provided to briefly identify some aspects of the subjectmatter that is further described below in the Detailed Description. ThisSummary is not intended to identify key or essential features of theclaimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter.

The phrase “subject matter described herein” refers to subject matterdescribed in the Detailed Description unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The term “aspects” should be read as “at least oneaspect.” Identifying aspects of the subject matter described in theDetailed Description is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter.

The aspects described above and other aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein are illustrated by way of example and not limited inthe accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view generally illustrating an exemplary device forproviding support for mobility in accordance with aspects of the subjectmatter described herein;

FIG. 2A-2C are views illustrating some exemplary components that allow agrab bar of a support device to rotate in accordance with aspects of thesubject matter described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a supporting device accordingto aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIGS. 4A-4D are views illustrating some exemplary components that may beused to restrict the range of rotation of a grab bar in accordance withaspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 5A is a view illustrating another embodiment of a mobility supportdevice in accordance with aspects of the subject matter describedherein;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views that illustrate a mobility device having abi-stable hinge in accordance with aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIGS. 6C and 6D are views that illustrate a mobility device having ahinge with a single stable resting point in accordance with aspects ofthe subject matter described herein;

FIGS. 7A-7C are views that illustrate some embodiments in whichadditional stability may be provided to the support device in accordancewith aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIGS. 8A-8F are views that illustrate exemplary embodiments foradjusting the height of the grab bar in accordance with aspects of thesubject matter described herein;

FIG. 9A illustrates a support device that includes a table and a grabbar in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 9B illustrates a two bar embodiment of a support device inaccordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 9C illustrates another two bar embodiment of a support device inaccordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 10A illustrates a grab bar variation in accordance with aspects ofthe subject matter described herein;

FIG. 10B illustrates another grab bar variation in accordance withaspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary docking base according toaspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 12 is a view generally illustrating support devices that may beused in a bathroom in accordance with aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIG. 13 is a view generally illustrating a support device that may beplaced in another location in a bathroom to provide mobility support inaccordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 14 is a view generally illustrating two support devices that may beplaced near a bed in accordance with aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein; and

FIG. 15 is a view generally illustrating another configuration ofsupport devices that may be used in a bathroom in accordance withaspects of the subject matter described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a view generally representing an exemplary device forproviding support for mobility in accordance with aspects of the subjectmatter described herein. As illustrated, the support device 100 is shownnext to a bed 125. The bed 125 may be an electric or non-electric bed, awater bed, an air bed, or any other type of bed designed for people tosleep or rest on. In an embodiment, the support device 100 is designedspecifically for use in home bed applications. In other embodiments, thesupport device 100 is designed specifically for use in hospital bedapplications. In yet other embodiments, the support device 100 isdesigned for use in home and hospital bed applications.

In other embodiments, the support device 100 may be installed next to acouch, chair, table, shower or bathtub, counter, or other location atwhich support may be needed. In an embodiment, the support device 100may include a grab bar 105, a sleeve 110, a stand 115, and a base 120.

In operation, someone lying on the bed 125 may grab the grab bar 105 toprovide support for sitting up or otherwise maneuvering on the bed 125.The person may also use the grab bar 105 for support in getting into orout of the bed 125. In some embodiments, through mechanisms described inmore detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2B, 4A-4D, 5A and 5B, and otherFIGURES, the grab bar 105 may be secured rotationally so as to remainparallel to the bed 125 while it is being used for support. In oneembodiment, the mechanisms that restrict rotation of the grab bar 105may comprise one or more keys. A person using the support device 100 mayallow rotation of the grab bar 105 by removing or unlocking one or moreof the keys and may restrict rotation by installing or locking one ormore of the keys. The person may use these keys to allow the grab bar105 to rotate within the sleeve 110 to provide support while the personmoves away from the bed 125. In at least some embodiments, the grab bar105 may rotate (e.g., pivot) freely without needing to be lifted.

As described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2E, the supportdevice 100 may be structured to allow for easy removal of the grab bar105. This may help in avoiding entrapment issues that other supportdevices may have. In entrapment, a person using a support device becomestrapped by the support device and may be unable to free him or herself.Entrapment can lead to death or injury.

In one embodiment, the base 120 of the support device 100 may bestructured to be assembled using reconfigurable parts such that thesupport device 100 may be placed on the left, right, or near or at thecenter of the head of the bed 125. The grab bar 105 may be removed orrotated to be parallel or perpendicular to the head of the bed 125 whennot in use. In an embodiment, a plurality of the support devices 100 maybe placed on the left, right, and/or near the center of the head of thebed 125 in conjunction with providing bed mobility support.

Turning to FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the bottom of the grab bar 105may rest on a surface 205 within the sleeve 110. The grab bar 105 andthe sleeve 110 may be structured such that the grab bar 105 remains in(e.g., is coupled to) the sleeve 110 until the grab bar 105 is liftedsubstantially straight out of the sleeve 110. As can be seen in FIG. 2A,the receiving hole 210 of the sleeve 110 may be formed to be slightlylarger in diameter than the outer diameter of the sleeve 110. The weightof the grab bar 105's handle may cause the inserted portion 215 of thegrab bar 105 to form a slight angle from vertical within the sleeve 110.It has been found that this arrangement causes the grab bar 105 toresist removal (e.g., decoupling) from the sleeve 110 as long as theinserted portion 215 continues to exert a horizontal force against thesides of the sleeve 110. When, however, the grab bar 105 is liftedsubstantially vertically near the curve 220 of the grab bar 105, it isrelatively easy to remove the grab bar 105 from the sleeve 110.

In one embodiment, this arrangement of the grab bar 105 and sleeve 110forms a toolless decoupling mechanism in that a person may remove thegrab bar 105 from the sleeve 110 without using a tool.

In one embodiment, it is believed that the resistance to removal resultsfrom frictional and gravity forces. For example, when an upward forcethat tends to pull the grab bar 105 substantially vertical is greaterthan frictional and gravity forces associated with the grab bar 105, thegrab bar 105 may be removed from the sleeve 110.

Additional weight or upward pull along the length of the grab bar 105that generates a component of force not parallel to the sleeve 110 maycause the grab bar portion 215 within the sleeve 110 to increase itsresistance to vertical movement, thus providing an effective mechanismthat stops the accidental removal of the grab bar 105 from the sleeve110. For example, if a person using the grab bar 105 to get out of bedis unstable and yanks downward or upward on the grab bar 105, theyanking will not in most cases be such to remove the grab bar 105 fromthe sleeve 110. Rather, the yanking will, in most cases, cause acomponent of force not parallel to the sleeve 110 to increase the sleeve110's resistance to vertical movement and avoid removal of the grab bar105 from the sleeve 110.

Turning to FIG. 2B, the sleeve 110 may include a washer 225 and a screw230 that may also be used to provide resistance to both upward androtational movement of the grab bar 105. The washer 225 may be sized tobe substantially in contact with a portion of the grab bar 105 insertedinto the sleeve. In one embodiment, tightening or loosening the screw230 causes the washer 225 to press more or less firmly against the grabbar 105 thus causing more or less resistance to upward and rotationalmovement of the grab bar 105. In another embodiment, the screw 230 maybe used to contract or expand the inner diameter of the washer 225 tocause the washer 225 to provide more or less resistance to upward androtational movement of the grab bar 105.

A key 235 may be inserted through an opening 237 in the side of thesleeve 110 to restrict the range of rotational movement of the grab bar105. The grab bar portion 215 inserted into the sleeve 110 may have aslot 240 cut out therein. The sides of the slot 240 may engage with thekey 235 to restrict rotational movement of the grab bar 105 to aselected range. By varying the width of the slot 240 of the grab bar105, the range of rotation allowed by the key 235 may be changed. Forexample, a relatively thin slot may allow relatively little rotation ofthe grab bar 105 while a relatively wide slot may allow proportionallylarger rotation of the grab bar 105.

In an embodiment, the rotation of the grab bar 105 may be entirely orsubstantially restricted. For example, if another key is inserted onanother side of the sleeve (as illustrated in FIG. 4A) or the slot 240in the grab bar portion 215 inserted into the sleeve 110 is madesufficiently small in width, the range of rotational movement of thegrab bar 105 may be substantially zero degrees.

In other embodiments, other keys may be used to restrict the rotation ofthe grab bar 105. Some exemplary keys include those available fromMcMaster-Carr® and having part numbers 1226BA51, 12265A53, 80625A32,80625A34, 12265A55, 12265A57, 80625A36, 80625138, and other similar keysmay be affixed to the sleeve 110 to engage with the grab bar 105 torestrict its rotation. These part numbers were shown in a catalogavailable from McMaster-Carr® at the time of the filing of the parent ofthis application.

FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment of a support device according toaspects of the subject matter described herein. In this embodiment, thegrab bar 245 may attach to the sleeve 250 (which may no longer have ahole therein to receive the grab bar 245) through the use of a hinge 255that allows the grab bar 245 to rotate. The hinge 255 may utilize a pin(similar to that shown in FIG. 2D) to allow the grab bar 105 to bedecoupled from the sleeve 110

FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary hinge for coupling a grab bar to asleeve according to aspects of the subject matter described herein. Inone embodiment, the hinge 265 may not allow for easy removal of the grabbar from the sleeve. In this embodiment, the pin 260 securing the hinge265 may need a special tool, sufficient strength, or expertise to beremoved. In another embodiment, the hinge may include a hidden pin 260that is not readily discernable to a person with dementia or the like.This may be used to make it more difficult for such a person to decouplethe grab bar from the sleeve.

FIG. 2E illustrates another exemplary hinge for coupling a grab bar to astand. By lifting up the leaf 275 of the hinge 270, the leaves of thehinge 275 may be separated. By attaching a grab bar to the leaf 275, astable support device with an easily removed grab bar may beconstructed.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a supporting device accordingto aspects of the subject matter described herein. In this embodiment,the stand 305 may be welded into a set configuration. The stand 305 mayinclude multiple sets of bottom leaves (e.g., bottom leaves 310 and 311and bottom leaves 315 and 316) to allow for more than one grab bar 320to be attached to the stand simultaneously or to allow a heightadjustment of the grab bar 320. The grab bar 320 may have a rotationstop 325 that restricts the rotational movement of the grab bar 105. Inaddition, the stand 305 may have a grab bar storage attachment 330 forstoring the grab bar 320 when not in use. The grab bar 320 may have ahole in the end 335 allowing the grab bar 320 to be placed on the grabbar storage attachment 330.

The supporting device 300 may include a surface 340 upon which a foot ofa bed may be placed. This may be done, for example, to increase thestability and decrease the lateral and tipping movement of thesupporting device 300. The support legs 345 and 346 may also provideadditional stability.

Turning to FIG. 4A, as described previously, the keys 235 and 405 may beused to restrict the rotational movement of the grab bar 105 tosubstantially zero degrees or some other range of rotation.

FIG. 4B illustrates another example of a mechanism that may be used torestrict rotational movement of the grab bar in accordance with aspectsof the subject matter described herein. A structural member 410 havingcutouts 415 and 420 may be formed to slide within the sleeve 110 ateither of two orientations. The range of rotation for the grab bar 105may be changed depending on the width of the cutouts 415 and 420 and thewidth of the slot 240 on the grab bar 105. To quickly change between twodifferent ranges of rotation, the structural member 410 may be removedfrom the sleeve 110 and turned over such that the other cutout engagesthe edges of the slot 240 of the grab bar 105.

FIG. 4C illustrates another example of a mechanism that may be used torestrict rotational movement of the grab bar in accordance with aspectsof the subject matter described herein. The grab bar 440 may have arotation stop 425 attached thereto that engages with a collar 430attached to the sleeve 435. When the rotation stop 425 engages with aside of the collar 430, it stops the rotation of the grab bar 440 inthat direction. In an embodiment, the gap of the collar 430 may be fixedat construction time to determine the rotational range of the grab bar440. In another embodiment, the gap of the collar 430 may be varieddynamically after construction (e.g., through pins, cutouts, or thelike) to change the rotational range of the grab bar 440. In variousembodiments, the grab bar 440 may have a slot similar to the slot 240 ofFIG. 2B.

FIG. 4D illustrates another example of a mechanism that may be used torestrict rotational movement of the grab bar in accordance with aspectsof the subject matter described herein. A hinge 445 that couples thegrab bar 450 to the sleeve 455 may have a rotation stop 460 thatrestricts rotation of the grab bar 450 to a certain range of rotation.The grab bar 450 may rotated on the hinge 445 until it engages with therotation stop 460 at which point it may rotate no further in thatdirection. The rotational range of the grab bar 105 may be varied bychanging the dimensions of the rotation stop 460 as appropriate.

FIG. 5A is a view illustrating another embodiment of a mobility supportdevice in accordance with aspects of the subject matter describedherein. In an embodiment, the sleeve (e.g., sleeve 110 of FIG. 1) isreplaced with a heavy gauge tubing 505 (hereinafter sleeve 525) that ispart of the stand used to receive and support the grab bar 510.

In an embodiment, a pin 515 may be inserted through both sides of thesleeve 525 and through a groove in the grab bar 510. The radialdimensions of the groove determine the rotational range of the grab bar510. In addition, the pin 515 provides additional support for keepingthe grab bar 510 in the sleeve 110.

In another embodiment, the pin 515 may not extend all the way throughboth sides of the grab bar 510. Rather the pin 515 may extend into oneside of the grab bar 510. In this embodiment, the rotational range ofthe grab bar 510 may also be increased or decreased by changing theradial size of the groove.

The bottom of the grab bar 510 may rest on a surface created by the pin520. The sleeve 525 may have multiple holes in the side thereof sized tofit the pin 520. By moving the pin 520 to various of the holes, theheight of the grab bar 510 may be changed.

The grab bar 510 may have multiple grooves 530-535 to allow for changingthe height of the grab bar 510 so that the pin 515 may be reinsertedinto the grab bar 510 after the height has been changed.

The sleeve 525 may have a rubberized liner 540 or some other resistivesurface to provide additional resistance to rotational and verticalmovement of the grab bar 510.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A.As shown, the two grooves 545 and 550 may extend around the grab bar toprovide rotational range for the grab bar 510 when the pin 515 isinserted through the grab bar 510.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views that illustrate a mobility device having abi-stable hinge in accordance with aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein. With springs or other suitable mechanisms, the hinge605 is structured to have two stable resting points. When the grab bar610 is rotated away from one of the resting points, the mechanismprovides a restoration force that tends to rotate the grab bar 610 backto the resting point to which it is closest. For example, it may bedesired to have one resting point correspond to having the grab bar 610parallel to the bed and another resting point correspond to having thegrab bar 610 perpendicular to the bed. In this embodiment, after aperson releases the grab bar after use, the grab bar 610 tends to cometo rest either next to the bed or next to the wall.

By appropriately sizing the restoration mechanism, the restoration forcemay be adjusted to be stronger or weaker as desired. In otherembodiments, if available, a hinge with one, three, or more stableresting points may be substituted for the hinge 605.

FIGS. 6C and 6D are views that illustrate a gravity hinge that tends torestore the grab bar to a single resting point after being released inaccordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. Thehinge 615 may be formed using an inclined ramp around the pin 620 suchthat by rotating the grab bar 625, potential energy is transferred tothe grab bar 625 in the form of the grab bar 625 having a greaterheight. When the grab bar 625 is released, gravity may then pull theupper portion of the hinge 615 down the inclined ramp to return the grabbar 625 to a resting point where the upper portion of the hinge 6615 isat the bottom of the inclined ramp.

To this end, FIG. 6C shows the grab bar 625 in a position where the grabbar 625 has been rotated away from its resting point. This is indicatedby the increased height of the grab bar 625 as well as the gap 630between the lower and upper leaves of the hinge 615. FIG. 6D shows thegrab bar 625 at its resting point. This is indicated by the loweredheight (with respect to FIG. 6C) of the grab bar 625 as well as theabsence of a gap between the leaves of the hinge 615.

In an embodiment, the hinge 615 may be fitted with a mechanism thatrestricts rotation past the top of the incline. This may be done toavoid an abrupt drop of the grab bar 625 as the bar is rotated up theinclined ramp until it falls back to the no-gap position.

FIGS. 7A-7C are views that illustrate various embodiments in whichadditional stability may be provided to the support device in accordancewith aspects of the subject matter described herein. Turning to FIG. 7A,the base of a support device may have a surface 705 constructed to restunder a foot 710 the bed. If the foot 710 the bed is at another locationon the bed such that it does not rest on the surface 705, a “false” footmay be attached to the bed frame and placed upon the surface 705. Inthis manner, the weight of the bed may assist in providing stability tothe support device.

In addition, other structural members 715 and 720 may be formed to wraparound the bed frame. These other structural members 715 and 720 may beattached to the support device through bolts and nuts, for example.

Turning to FIG. 7B, a support leg 725 may slide within a support sleeve730. The support leg 725 may be positioned depending on which side ofthe bed the support device 100 is positioned. To hide the support leg725 from view, for example, the support leg 725 may be slid under thebed. Once the support leg 725 is positioned at a desired location, thesupport leg 725 may be fixed in place by bolts, pins, or the likepassing through the support sleeve 730 into the support leg 725. Screwsmay pass through the holes 735-742 and into a structural framing memberof a wall (e.g., a plate) or floor to firmly affix the support leg to aparticular location and provide added stability to the support device100.

In addition to, or in lieu of, attaching the support leg to the wall orfloor, the base plate 745 may be screwed into the floor at variouslocations to provide additional stability to the support device.

Turning to FIG. 7C, to attach directly to odd-sized beds or movable bedsincluding hospital beds, an attachment member 750 may be used. Theattachment member 750 may be attached to the stand 755. In anembodiment, the support device 760 may not have a base member to attachthe support device to the floor or wall. Rather, the support device 760may be secured to the bed through the attachment member 750 only. Inthis manner, the support device 760 may move with the bed which may beparticularly helpful for hospital beds and other mobile beds, forexample.

FIGS. 8A-8F are views that illustrate exemplary embodiments foradjusting the height of the grab bar in accordance with aspects of thesubject matter described herein. Turning to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the sleeve110 and stand 115 may have holes that allow a pin 805 to be insertedtherein. By removing the pin 805, the height of the sleeve 110 may beadjusted by aligning holes within the stand 115 with holes within thesleeve 110. After the desired height is found, the pin 805 may bereinserted into the stand 115 and sleeve 110 to fix the height of thegrab bar 105.

Turning to FIGS. 8C and 8D, a screw mechanism 807 may be inserted intothe sleeve 815 to provide a surface 820 upon which to rest the bottomedge of the grab bar 105. To adjust the height of the grab bar 105, thescrew mechanism 807 may be removed from the sleeve 815 and lengthened orshortened by rotating the screw 825 while holding the screw sleeve 810fixed. The screw mechanism 807 may then be reinserted into the sleeve815 and the grab bar 105 placed thereon to change the height.

In FIGS. 8E and 8F, a hydraulic mechanism 830 may raise or lowers asurface upon which the bottom edge of the grab bar 105 rests to changethe height of the grab bar 105. The hydraulic mechanism 830 may includea lever 835, switch, or the like to cause lowering or raising.

In an embodiment, the hydraulic mechanism 830 may form a stand or beplaced at the bottom of the stand into which a sleeve such as the sleeve110 of FIG. 1 may be placed. In this embodiment, the hydraulic mechanism830 may raise or lower the receiving surface of the stand to raise orlower the height of the sleeve and consequently the grab bar 105.

In other embodiments, a pneumatic or electric mechanism may besubstituted in place of the hydraulic mechanism 830 to raise or lowerthe grab bar 105.

FIG. 9A illustrates a support device that includes a table and a grabbar in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein.The table 905 may include a collar 910 that slips over a sleeve collar915 that receives the grab bar 105. The table 905 and the grab bar 105may rotate independently of each other and may have the same ordifferent ranges of rotation. The grab bar 105 may operate as describedpreviously with respect to single grab bar embodiments in allowing forheight adjustment, easy removing of the grab bar, restriction ofrotation of the grab bar, and so forth.

FIG. 9B illustrates a two bar embodiment of a support device inaccordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. The grabbars 105 and 920 operate as described above in conjunction with FIG. 9Awith one of the bars taking the place of the table 905. As describedpreviously in conjunction with FIG. 3, in another embodiment, the hingestructure of FIG. 3 may also be used to provide support for two bars atdifferent heights.

FIG. 9C illustrates another two bar embodiment of a support device inaccordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. Thesupport device 925 may have a first sleeve 110 and stand 115 thatprovides support for a first grab bar 105 at a first height. The supportdevice 925 may also have a second sleeve 930 inserted into a stand 935that is secured to a wall 945 via screws, bolts, or other fasteners at aheight different than the first stand 115. Together, the sleeves 930 and110 and stands 935 and 115 allow two grab bars 105 and 940 to assist aperson in getting into or out of bed or maneuvering thereon. Each of thesleeves 110 and 930 cooperating with the stands 115 and 935,respectively, may function as described previously with respect tosingle grab bar embodiments in allowing for height adjustment, easyremoving of the grab bar, restriction of rotation of the grab bar, andso forth.

In another embodiment, a plurality of hinge leaves similar to the bottomleaves 310, 311, 315, and 316 of FIG. 3 may be mounted on the wall. Agrab bar suitable for use with these hinges may be used for mobilitysupport.

FIG. 10A illustrates a grab bar embodiment in accordance with aspects ofthe subject matter described herein. Turning to FIG. 10A, an adjustableextension 1005 may be inserted into the end 1010 of the grab bar 1015.The adjustable extension 1005 may rotate at fixed increments about apoint 1020 of rotation such that the adjustable extension 1005 tends toremain at an angle of rotation until sufficient force is applied to movethe adjustable extension 1005 to another angle. One exemplary embodimentof a hinge allowing fixed increments is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,662,596 to David Ernest Young, entitled “TRUE BI-PIVOTAL ORTHOPEDICAND ORTHOTIC HINGE WITH INCREMENTAL MOTION CONTROL,” which patent ishereby incorporated by reference with regards to its teachings regardingthis hinge.

Alternatively, a button, pin, or the like, may lock the adjustableextension 1005 at a particular angle. Until the button is depressed, thepin removed, or some other action is taken to unlock the adjustableextension 1005, the angle may remain fixed. After this action occurs,the angle of the adjustable extension 1005 may be changed until thebutton, pin, or the like is again used to lock the angle of theadjustable extension 1005.

The adjustable extension 1005 may comprise a tube that is inserted intothe grab bar 1015. The adjustable extension 1005 may be secured to thegrab bar 1015 through a pin, bolt, or the like. The adjustable extension1005 may have holes in the tube through which the pin may be inserted tovary the extension length of the adjustable extension 1005.

FIG. 10B illustrates another grab bar embodiment in accordance withaspects of the subject matter described herein. The grab bar 105 mayinclude a handle 1025 that extends perpendicular to the length of thegrab bar 1030. This handle 1025 may provide additional support forpeople using the support device 100 for mobility support.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary docking base according toaspects of the subject matter described herein. The docking base 1105may be secured to a floor 1110 and have a sleeve 1115 to receive a stand1120. The stand 1120 may include a spring-loaded ball 1125 that engageswith a hole in the sleeve 1115 to secure the stand 1120 to the sleeve1115. To remove the stand 1120 from the sleeve 1115, a button 1130 maybe pressed which pushes the ball 1125 into the interior of the stand1120 and disengages the ball 1125 from the hole.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many otherquick-release mechanism may be used as a docking base to obtain thefunction described above. In one embodiment, for example, a docking basemay be installed such as to be substantially flush with the floorsurface. For example, a plate having an appropriate sized sleeve may befastened to the floor. A lever or button on the stand may be used todisengage the stand from the sleeve. A cap may be placed on the sleeveof the docking base when it is not supporting a stand for aesthetics orsafety, for example.

In another embodiment, a docking base may be installed next to a wallsurface. For example, referring to FIG. 9C, the stand 935 fastened tothe wall 945 may serve as a docking base in which to place a grab bar.In yet another embodiment, a docking base that is fastened to, embeddedin, or otherwise attached or secured to the wall may include a mechanismfor attaching to the stand 935. In this configuration, the docking basemay provide solid support to the stand 935 without having a component ofthe docking station on the floor. The mechanism for attaching the stand935 to the docking base may comprise a quick-release mechanism thatallows the stand 935 to be readily attached and removed.

As another embodiment, struts may be fastened to the floor and the standmay have components to slide into the struts and to fix the location ofthe stand. Some exemplary struts and associated hardware that may beused in this way are available as part numbers 3533T*, 3545T*, 3190T*,32525T*, and 1819T* from McMaster-Carr® where “*” stands for one or moreother alphanumeric characters. These parts are shown on page 1400 of acatalog available from McMaster-Carr® at the time of the filing of theparent of this application. In an embodiment, fixing the location of thecomponents that slide into the strut may be performed by rotating one ofthe components and/or the entire stand after sliding the component intothe strut. This rotation may lock the component at a fixed locationwithin the strut.

FIG. 12 is a view generally illustrating support devices that may beused in a bathroom in accordance with aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein. As mentioned previously, a support device (such as thesupport device 1200) may be placed in a location at which support may beneeded. One such location is next to a toilet 1205. The support device1200 may include a base 1210 that is shaped to be placed next to thetoilet 1205. The base may include holes (not shown) through whichfasteners may be placed to secure the base to the floor or wall.

In an embodiment, a sleeve 1215 may be made of tubular metal or anothercomposite or substance and may allow for height adjustment as previouslydescribed. As shown the grab bar 1225 includes a rotational stop 1220like the rotational stop 425 of FIG. 4C, although in other embodiments,the grab bar 1225 may include other mechanisms for restricting therotational movement of the grab bar as described previously.

The support device 1200 may be equipped with a mechanism with a stableresting point such that the grab bar 1225 tends to remain perpendicularto the wall 1230. This may be done, for example, to keep the bar withineasy reach of a person who may use the bar to get on and off the toilet1205. Such mechanisms have been described previously with respect toFIGS. 6A-6D.

In some embodiments, the support device 1200 operates similarly tosupport devices described previously with a difference being thelocation of the support device 1200 (i.e., in a bathroom).

In one embodiment, the support device 1200 may be by itself (i.e.,without other similar support devices) in the bathroom. In anotherembodiment, however, another support device 1235 may be mounted on thewall 1240 to provide additional support for getting on and off thetoilet 1205. The grab bar 1245 may be shortened and include a modifiedend 1250 to provide a vertical end to grab for a person maneuvering onor off the toilet 1205.

Also note, that in one embodiment, the grab bar 1245 may be shorter thanthe grab bar 1225 and may have two or more stable resting points (e.g.,against the wall and extended towards the toilet). In other aspects, thesupport device 1235 may operate as the support devices describedpreviously.

FIG. 13 is a view generally illustrating a support device that may beplaced in another location in a bathroom to provide mobility support inaccordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. As canbe seen, the support device 1200 may be placed between a toilet 1205 anda bathtub 1310 to provide support for maneuvering to, from, on, andaround the toilet 1205 and the bathtub 1310. The grab bar 1225 may beadapted to extend to the toilet 1205 and the bathtub 1310 and to providesupport to the person when getting on or off the toilet 1205 and in orout of or otherwise maneuvering with respect to the bathtub 1310.

FIG. 14 is a view generally illustrating two support devices that may beplaced near a bed in accordance with aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein. The two support devices 1405 and 1410 may be placed atthe head and foot of the bed 1415 to provide support for a personmaneuvering onto, off, or on the bed. Note that the two support devices1405 and 1410 allow for extra support while still allowing a person tofreely get his or her legs into and out of bed without a barrier.

In addition, the support devices 1405 and 1410 (and especially 1410) maybe used for rehabilitation exercises. The support devices 1405 and 1410operate and may be configured as to range of motion, heights, restingpoints, and so forth as described previously with respect to the supportdevices mentioned herein without departing from aspects of the subjectmatter described herein.

FIG. 15 is a view generally illustrating another configuration ofsupport devices that may be used in a bathroom in accordance withaspects of the subject matter described herein. The support device 1500is similar to the support device 1200 of FIG. 12 but also includes anarm rest 1505 and a different grab bar end 1510.

The arm rest 1505 may be fastened onto (e.g., with straps), integratedinto, or otherwise attached to the grab bar and provide support for thearm of a person while getting on and/or off of the toilet 1205. The armrest 1505 may be constructed such that it is capable of bearing asubstantial portion or all of the weight of a person. The arm rest 1505may include a rubberized, foam, or other surface for a person to put hisor her arm on. The arm rest 1505 may be form-fitted to have a shapecomfortable to a person's arm. The arm rest 1505 may be detachable orfixed in placed as desired.

As can be seen from the foregoing detailed description, aspects havebeen described related to providing mobility support. While aspects ofthe subject matter described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative constructions, certain illustratedembodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been describedabove in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is nointention to limit aspects of the claimed subject matter to the specificforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling withinthe spirit and scope of various aspects of the subject matter describedherein.

1. A device for assisting a person to maneuver in a bathroom, the devicecomprising: a support structure having a first and a second end, thefirst end adapted to couple to a base member to secure the supportstructure in a substantially vertical orientation; and a pivotable grabbar adapted to couple to the second end of the support structure, thepivotable grab bar having a toolless decoupling mechanism to decouplethe grab bar from the support structure, the pivotable grab bar beingadapted to rotate within a set range while coupled to the supportstructure.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member is adaptedto be fastened to a floor of the bathroom via screws that extend intothe floor.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises adocking station adapted to extend into the floor, the docking statingincluding a hole adapted to receive the support structure.
 4. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the base member is adapted to be fastened between atoilet and a bathtub and wherein the pivotable grab bar is adapted toextend to the toilet and the bathtub and to provide support to theperson when getting on or off the toilet and in or out of the bathtub.5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a plate withholes therein, the holes sized to receive fasteners to secure the basemember to a floor of the bathroom.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein thetoolless decoupling mechanism comprises a weight of and a frictionassociated with the pivotable grab bar that must be overcome to decouplethe grab bar from the support structure, the toolless decouplingmechanism adapted to increase the friction when a force upon thepivotable grab bar causes an increase in horizontal force on the supportstructure.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the support structureincludes a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of the grabbar.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the set range comprisessubstantially zero degrees.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the setrange comprises substantially one hundred and eighty degrees.
 10. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the set range comprises substantially threehundred and sixty degrees.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the basemember is adapted to be fastened to a wall of the bathroom via screwsthat extend into the wall.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein thepivotable grab bar includes an hand hold end adapted to extendsvertically when the pivotable grab bar is coupled to the second end ofthe support structure, the hand hold structured to provide a verticalgripping surface for a person sitting on a toilet next to the device.13. The device of claim 1, further comprising an arm rest connected tothe pivotable grab bar, the arm rest providing a surface for an arm of aperson, the surface capable of supporting a substantial portion or allof a weight of the person.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the armrest includes a rubberized surface.
 15. A method for installing one ormore devices to assist a person in maneuvering in a bathroom, the methodcomprising: securing a base member to a floor of the bathroom; attachinga support structure to the base member to place the support structure ina substantially vertical orientation; and providing a pivotable grabadapted to couple to the support structure, the pivotable grab barhaving a toolless decoupling mechanism to decouple the grab bar from thesupport structure.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pivotablegrab bar is adapted to rotate within a set range while coupled to thesupport structure.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprisinginserting a sleeve into the support structure, the sleeve structured toreceive a portion of the pivotable grab bar to couple the grab bar tothe support structure.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprisinginserting the portion of the grab bar into the sleeve.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising securing another support structure to awall of the bathroom, the other support structure in a substantiallyvertical orientation, the other support structure adapted to couple tothe pivotable grab or another pivotable grab bar having a structure ofthe pivotable grab bar.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein securing thebase member to the floor of the bathroom comprises securing the basemember to an area of the floor between a toilet and a shower such thatthe pivotable grab bar when coupled to the support structure is capableof reaching near or to the toilet and the shower.
 21. A device forassisting a person to maneuver near a bed, the device comprising: a basemember structured to abut next to a floor next to a foot of the bed, asupport structure having a first and a second end, the first end adaptedto couple to a base member to secure the support structure in asubstantially vertical orientation; and a pivotable grab bar adapted tocouple to the second end of the support structure, the pivotable grabbar having a toolless decoupling mechanism to decouple the grab bar fromthe support structure, the pivotable grab bar being adapted to rotatewithin a set range while coupled to the support structure
 22. The deviceof claim 21, wherein the base member includes a support surface uponwhich weight from the bed may be placed to provide additional stabilityto the device.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein the base member issubstantially under the bed and has a sufficient portion not under thebed to couple to the support structure.
 24. The device of claim 21,wherein the grab bar is structured to rotate in a range of motion aroundthe foot of the bed to assist a person in rehabilitation exercises.